Ortega High School

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FAFSA / CADAA

APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

Dear Parents and Students:

 

Completing a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application is a now graduation requirement. This law, AB 469, was passed by the state in October 2021.

 

The first step is for your child to go to the California College web site https://www.californiacolleges.edu/#/ , Once there, they need to sign in or register their account. Your child should have already been introduced to this web site through their previous high school or Careers Class. If they are unable to log into this web site, they need to contact their College and Career Technician, Ms. Angela Vander Velde.

 

Once they have logged in, your child needs just to select the Financial Aid tab and select either the FAFSA or Dream Act link and just follow the directions.

 

Under special circumstances ONLY, there is an opt-out waiver, please contact the school if you plan to pursue this option.

 
fafsa or cadaa guide

 

All students start the application process by completing and submitting either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Whether a student is completing a bachelor’s program, associate’s program, a credential program, or a career technical education program, there’s money available to help.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If a student is a US Citizen, permanent resident, or other qualifying non-resident then they must submit a FAFSA by the March 2 Cal Grant Deadline to be eligible for the most opportunities. Students attending California Community Colleges can submit a FAFSA through September 2 of each year to be considered for a community college Cal Grant award. To start the FAFSA a student will need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID so they can login and sign the completed application. The FAFSA is used to apply for state financial aid, like Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship, federal financial aid programs like Pell Grant, and institutional aid from colleges like the Blue and Gold Scholarship or the State University Grant (SUG).

FAFSA Button

 

CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)

Undocumented students who meet AB 540 requirements will need to submit the CA Dream Act Application by the March 2 Cal Grant Deadline to be eligible for the most opportunities. Students attending California Community Colleges can submit a CA Dream Act Application through September 2 of each year to be considered for a community college Cal Grant award. After a student completes the CA Dream Act Application they must respond to requests for additional information including but not limited to the AB 540 affidavit from the student’s school of attendance. The CA Dream Act Application is used to apply for state financial aid, like Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship as well as institutional aid from colleges like the Blue and Gold Scholarship or the State University Grant (SUG).

California Dream Act Application

 

All students should create a WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) Account

Students should create a WG4S account to monitor and manage their state awarded financial aid. 

After a student’s FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application is processed, they will receive an email from CSAC letting them know it’s time to create their WebGrants 4 Students account.  WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) will let students check the status of their state grants, and take necessary steps to secure their aid. It’s important to note that a student’s WG4S account does not replace their school or FAFSA accounts and they may need more than one account to successfully apply for financial aid.

Stay up-to-date on deadlines and requirements by reading all correspondence from CSAC, FAFSA and your school of attendance.

 

WebGrants 4 Students Button

 
Regarding Accepting Student Loans:

 

It’s important to know that you’re under no obligation to accept all the federal student loan money made available to you. You can accept all, some or none of the federal student loans you’re offered. Your award letter may also include scholarships or grants, which is genuinely free money you never have to pay back. Try to use as much free money as you can before you borrow. Just remember to check the terms to ensure you can fulfill any requirements. 

 

Most schools use an online portal that allows students to fully accept, decline or partially accept a loan when first starting admission. Usually student and/or parent will sign a promissory note. By signing the promissory note, you are promising to repay your student loan. The financial aid office for the school will guide them through the paperwork or direct them to the online Master Promissory Note if appropriate. *If you take out a loan from the Direct Loan Program, the U.S. Department of Education will be the lender.
 
 
For further assistance please schedule a meeting here:
 
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